Description
This homemade Italian Bread recipe produces a soft and airy crumb with a crisp crust, using simple pantry ingredients. With easy steps ideal for beginners, you can enjoy fresh bakery-quality bread at home that pairs well with many meals or stands delicious on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 40°C or 104°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it foams, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil (natural). Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, by hand or with a stand mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape into long oval loaves or round boule shapes. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until light and puffy.
- Score and Bake: Make shallow cuts on top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use water at about 40°C (104°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Choose high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture and taste.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in ideal chewiness.
- Allow the dough to rise fully to maximize flavor and airiness.
- Place a pan with hot water in the oven during baking to create steam and achieve a beautiful crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, soft crumb, baking bread, beginner bread recipe
